Ex-Pa. officer asks judge to toss fight conviction

HOLLIDAYSBURG, Pa.—A former central Pennsylvania police officer wants a judge to toss out his conviction for assaulting two men at a bar then trying to cover up his involvement.

The Altoona Mirror reports (http://bit.ly/150hTyb) former Altoona police Officer Duane "D.J." Eichenlaub wants a Blair County judge to reverse his conviction on seven counts, including aggravated assault and tampering with public records. He's scheduled Friday to begin serving 11 1/2 to 23 months in county jail for the incident in May 2010.

Another former officer cooperated with authorities and received four years' probation.

Prosecutors say they beat up a 40-year-old man who allegedly fondled Eichenlaub's wife following a wedding reception. A 60-year-old man who tried to break up the fight was also hurt.

The defense argues Eichenlaub just reacted due to his police and Army training.